© Paolo Graziosi, GFCM
Although fisheries sustainability in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea remains a source of concern, the percentage of overfished stocks has dropped to its lowest level in a decade, a milestone that coincides with aquaculture’s rapid expansion as a major source of aquatic foods in the region, according to a report released today by FAO’s General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM).
The 2025 State of Mediterranean and Black Sea Fisheries (SoMFi) report, produced with contributions from more than 700 regional experts, demonstrates that strong cooperation and evidence-based management are paying off. Fishing pressure has been cut by half over the past 10 years and key stocks are recovering.
At the same time, marine and brackish aquaculture now accounts for more than 45 percent of aquatic food production, reaching 940 000 tonnes in 2023. Together, fisheries and aquaculture and their value chain produced 2.06 million tonnes of aquatic foods, generated $21.5 billion and supported 1.17 million jobs.
“Stocks are not yet where we would like them to be, but they are beginning to recover thanks to science-driven management action and strong stakeholder engagement, while aquaculture, if done responsibly, is proving it can help meet future demand for aquatic foods,” said Manuel Barange, assistant director-general and director of fisheries and aquaculture at the FAO, in a press release. “Maintaining these efforts will be crucial to conserve ecosystems, strengthen livelihoods and ensure the region’s food security through what we call a Blue Transformation.”
Fishing pressure down 50 percent
Fishing pressure in the Mediterranean and Black Sea has been cut by around 50 percent in the past decade, with fishing mortality down and biomass of assessed commercial species up 25 percent, according to a new GFCM report on 120 stocks. Managed species such as Adriatic sole and Black Sea turbot show strong recovery, but 52 percent of assessed stocks remain overfished, down from 87 percent ten years ago. Sardine stocks are still depleted, prompting calls for continued action and stronger compliance.
Aquaculture driving growth and innovation
For the first time, this edition of SoMFi provides a detailed overview of aquaculture in the region, showing a fast-expanding sector. When freshwater production is included, aquaculture generates $9.3 billion and produces nearly 3 million tonnes of aquatic food. Marine and brackish water aquaculture alone is worth $5.2 billion, directly employing 113 000 people.
Production is highly concentrated in a small number of species: just 11 account for 99 percent of total output, led by gilthead seabream (34.5 percent) and European seabass (29.7 percent).
Similarly, only eight countries produce 95.5 percent of the region’s farmed aquatic food, with Türkiye (400 000 tonnes), Egypt (147 000 tonnes) and Greece (139 000 tonnes) in the lead. As a result, aquaculture has become the region’s fastest-expanding source of aquatic food and a growing pillar of food security and coastal livelihoods.
“As aquaculture continues to grow, a coordinated approach is essential to ensure that the sector remains sustainable, productive, competitive and profitable. At the same time, it should preserve ecological services, ensure animal welfare and contribute to inclusive socioeconomic development in coastal communities,” said Ahmet Seremed, chairman of the board of the central union of aquaculture producers in Türkiye.
Yet, significant challenges persist. The aquaculture sector should reduce its environmental impacts, ensure appropriate animal health and biosecurity practices, while navigating fragmented and complex regulations and fostering its social acceptability.
Meeting future demand
The report notes that the demand for aquatic foods in the region is expected to rise due to growing populations and changing consumer preferences. To ensure that everyone has access to healthy aquatic foods, while keeping pace with consumption trends, the report estimates that production will need to increase by 14-29 percent by 2050, to allow all countries to maintain current per capita consumption rates in the region.
“Aquatic foods, fishers and fish farmers have always played a key role in the region’s coastal communities,” said Miguel Bernal, executive secretary of the GFCM. “We need to make sure they continue to do so in the future, through cooperation and effective management.”
The full report is available on the FAO's website.
